Hey friends, I have big news!!
I have officially accepted an Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner position in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park for the 2024 season!
What is a Ridgerunner, you ask? A Ridgerunner works for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, alongside any related trail clubs and the National Park Service, educating and supporting hikers on the Appalachian Trail (AT). The primary duties are to backpack along a section of the 72 miles of the AT running through the park, teach Leave No Trace principles, perform minor trail maintenance, report information, and pick up litter.
Once my bucket-list-dream-job many moons ago, I stumbled across the AT Ridgerunner job entirely by happenstance. I was perusing the Appalachian Trail Conservancy newsletter while recovering from the mysterious illness that caused me to return home from India a month early. I wasn’t looking for a job… or anything for that matter… just catching up on business stuff and reading emails. But when I stumbled across the posting, I considered it for a moment in jest and then, somehow, found myself clicking the link to find out more information.
At first, I was only playing a game with myself and contemplating what life on the trail would be like with a job such as this. As I thought about how easy that would be (not really) … to work for a non-profit organization (Ummm… I haven’t worked for anybody other than myself in 25 years… what could go wrong?) and not have to do everything to operate my business (ahem… two businesses and one almost-published-book) living on the trail for a season… and… something magical happened…
After pondering the silly notion, I noticed how relaxed my body felt and had an overwhelming feeling of relief. Holding a job where I am paid to backpack through the Smokies teaching Leave No Trace while NOT juggling the endless responsibilities of a self-employed, overly ambitious businesswoman felt like such an incredible reprieve! Could I actually put my business on hold for an entire year to be in service to my beloved Appalachian Trail???
Apparently, the answer was a loud and clear YES!
I realized that I had undoubtedly manifested this magnificent opportunity. While on my daily walk, I often laughed about how the perfect job would be backpacking along a beautiful trail, helping other hikers, and getting paid for it. I could see what I had created with such clarity that it eliminated any doubt about whether I would take this job. I took the necessary time to evaluate the pros, cons, and all that I would be leaving behind by deciding to be on the AT for an entire year. So, when the Universe delivers precisely what you have been asking for, I believe it is my divine duty to accept and be grateful.
However, some serious examination needed to happen before I could fully commit. I have worked very hard to build my business from the ground up – and I had an entire calendar filled with classes, speaking engagements, six backpacking trips, and treks to Peru and Nepal. Part of me is still in shock and deeply saddened that none of these events will come to fruition… This year. Please know that if you have been considering joining me for one of my offerings, they are already being rescheduled for next year. (And thank you for your patience.)
Sometimes, we must jump up and enthusiastically grab divinely orchestrated opportunities when they present themselves. And with that, I am absolutely thrilled to spend February through October of this year in one of my favorite places on Earth. I am humbled to be in service to the Appalachian Trail, the Great Smoky Mountains, and all those who seek peace and happiness along the path.
Happy Trails!
xoxCollin
